Explanation From Original OP:

This is in reference to the Dogger Bank incident in 1904, where the Russian second pacific squadron, on its way from the Baltic to east Asia to fight Japan, attacked a bunch of British fishing trawlers, thinking them Japanese torpedo boats, despite being on the other side of the world from Japan. The Russians ended up killing two British sailors, sinking one fishing vessel, as well as killing a Russian sailor and a priest through friendly fire. Further loss of life was prevented through the Russians having absolutely abysmal aim.